Press Review

“Aravot” criticizes some Diaspora groups for “thwarting” a planned meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and representatives of leading Armenian-American organizations. The paper says the controversy surrounding the composition of Armenian participants of the meeting was a “typical Armenian settling of scores” which did not have been exposed to outsiders. “This is not a hypocritical call for not exposing our dirty linen,” it says in an editorial. “The problems of human rights, freedom of speech, political prisoners [in Armenia] should definitely be raised with the West in order to somehow restrain our authorities.”

“Hraparak” launches a scathing attack on the National Commission on Television and Radio (HRAH) over its latest guidelines issued to Armenian television and radio stations. The paper claims that they were drawn up by officials at the presidential administration.

“Chorrord Inknishkhanutyun” laments a perceived lack of “professionals” in the Armenian electronic media. “All of its shortcomings are literally before people’s eyes,” says the paper.

“Hayots Ashkhar” comments on President Serzh Sarkisian’s Tuesday message to his Turkish counterpart, Abdullah Gul. “This step by President Sarkisian once again shows that Armenia is maintaining the strategic initiative in the difficult process of establishing relations with Turkey,” says the pro-presidential paper. “As for the tactics, in this case too Armenia is retaining its advantage of being at least one step ahead [of Turkey] thanks to President Sarkisian’s pro-active approach.”

Grigor Harutiunian, a leader of the opposition People’s Party of Armenia (HZhK), tells “Zhamanak” that the Armenian opposition insists on the holding of fresh presidential and parliamentary elections. “The reason for this crisis is rigged elections and this, so to speak, disease must be cured with the same medicine,” says Harutiunian. “Unless those [snap] elections are held this crisis will never be overcome,” he adds.

“Kapital” reports that the Deno Gold Mining company has again started laying off workers at its copper mines and ore-processing plant in the southeastern Armenian town of Kapan. The paper says company officials claim that the layoffs are needed to boost productivity and efficiency. “Seventeen persons have already been fired. Among them are participants of last month’s strike,” it says.